“So, boss, how’s it going?”
“Not exactly la dolce vita, I fear.”
The winemaker told Virgile that Claude’s problems had sapped much of the joy from their trip. First, he had chosen to come with a vixen. Then he had been robbed. Claude had filed a complaint with the police and had contacted a higher-up at the French embassy, thanks to Benjamin’s connections.
“His lady friend is furious that he had to cancel his credit cards. That limits her spending—at least until he gets replacements. And to think, we have yet to taste a drop of Tokaji.”
“How’s Mrs. Cooker?”
“She sends you her best and keeps telling me that I’m unbelievably fortunate to have such an intelligent and efficient assistant. I’m inclined to agree with her. You might even see that reflected in your next paycheck. So, what about Alexandrine?”
“She’ll be out of the hospital tomorrow. But I don’t think she’ll be able to go home.”
“What?”
“She told me she was afraid. Her voice was shaking, and she was almost crying. She thought the person would be waiting for her.”
“I don’t understand. If it was a random mugger at the parking garage near the office, she has nothing to fear at home.”
“Exactly. Yesterday I was chatting with a nurse at the hospital—”
“Spare me the details of your conquests, Virgile.”
“It wasn’t like that, boss. We were just having a coffee during her break. I was waiting for Alexandrine to wake up from a nap. Anyway, the nurse works at the hospital’s center for victims of violence. I rather led her to believe that Alexandrine was family, and she suggested that her behavior seemed more like that of long-term abuse than a simple mugging.”
“So you mean her girlfriend could be abusive?”
“I don’t know, but the story hasn’t added up from the beginning. I’m pretty sure she was attacked at her home.”
“So what is she going to do?”
“Well, um, I invited her to stay at my place for a night.”
“Virgile!”
“What, boss?”
“Well, please reassure me that you have no girlfriends there now.”
“Of course I don’t. Boss, she feels safe with me. It’s the least I can do.”
“No funny business, do you hear me?”
“Boss! First you want me to take care of her, then you don’t. Have a little faith in me.”
“Your reputation does precede you. Keep me posted, in any case. Tomorrow we’ll be leaving the Danube and traveling by train.”